The Hawai'i Public Housing Authority received $65,000 from federal sources to be used to help public housing residents find jobs that lead them to economic independence.

The funds were part of nearly $12 million awarded to 207 public housing agencies across the country and were provided through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Public Housing Family Self-Sufficiency Program.

The program is designed to enable public housing agencies to hire coordinators who work directly with residents to connect them with education and training opportunities, job placement.

Public housing residents sign a contract to participate outlines their responsibilities to receive the training and their employment objectives five years.